4 answers
Vanshika
Student
San Mateo, California
5
Questions
Asked
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What do the admissions officers like to see under extra curriculars if applying under a business major in college?
I will be applying under a business major.
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4 answers
John Ellis
Grade 6 Teacher
2
Answers
Mililani, Hawaii
Updated
John’s Answer
It's crucial to adopt a balanced strategy. Ensure you enroll in the appropriate classes to bolster your academic readiness. Only choose jobs or volunteer work that genuinely pique your interest. Excelling in a handful of activities is far more beneficial than wearing yourself out with a multitude of unremarkable projects.
Anika S
Software Engineer Intern
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anika’s Answer
When applying for a business major, admissions officers look for extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a genuine interest in business-related fields. Here are some key extracurriculars and qualities they like to see:
Leadership Roles
Student Government: Holding a position such as class president, treasurer, or other officer roles showcases your leadership skills and ability to manage responsibilities.
Club Leadership: Leading or founding a club, especially one related to business (e.g., Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), DECA, or a school entrepreneurship club), highlights your initiative and passion for the field.
Business-Related Activities
Business Competitions: Participation in business competitions (e.g., DECA, FBLA, or local entrepreneurship contests) demonstrates your practical skills and commitment to business studies.
Internships and Work Experience: Any work experience, especially internships at businesses, financial institutions, or startups, can be valuable. It shows you have real-world exposure to business environments.
School Newspaper or Yearbook: Working on the financial aspects, advertising, or sales for the school newspaper or yearbook can demonstrate your practical business skills.
Academic Enrichment
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses and Exams: Excelling in AP courses related to economics, statistics, and mathematics can show your academic readiness for a business major.
Academic Competitions: Participating in academic competitions such as math contests, economics challenges, or investment simulations can also be impressive.
Community and Volunteer Involvement
Community Service Projects: Leading or participating in community service projects, especially those involving financial literacy or economic development, can show your commitment to social responsibility.
Nonprofit Work: Volunteering for or working with nonprofits, particularly in roles that involve fundraising, marketing, or strategic planning, highlights your business acumen and social awareness.
Leadership Roles
Student Government: Holding a position such as class president, treasurer, or other officer roles showcases your leadership skills and ability to manage responsibilities.
Club Leadership: Leading or founding a club, especially one related to business (e.g., Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), DECA, or a school entrepreneurship club), highlights your initiative and passion for the field.
Business-Related Activities
Business Competitions: Participation in business competitions (e.g., DECA, FBLA, or local entrepreneurship contests) demonstrates your practical skills and commitment to business studies.
Internships and Work Experience: Any work experience, especially internships at businesses, financial institutions, or startups, can be valuable. It shows you have real-world exposure to business environments.
School Newspaper or Yearbook: Working on the financial aspects, advertising, or sales for the school newspaper or yearbook can demonstrate your practical business skills.
Academic Enrichment
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses and Exams: Excelling in AP courses related to economics, statistics, and mathematics can show your academic readiness for a business major.
Academic Competitions: Participating in academic competitions such as math contests, economics challenges, or investment simulations can also be impressive.
Community and Volunteer Involvement
Community Service Projects: Leading or participating in community service projects, especially those involving financial literacy or economic development, can show your commitment to social responsibility.
Nonprofit Work: Volunteering for or working with nonprofits, particularly in roles that involve fundraising, marketing, or strategic planning, highlights your business acumen and social awareness.
Thank you so much!
Vanshika
Hakeem Ola Saka
Freelancer
73
Answers
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
Leadership Roles
Student Government:
Holding a position like class president or treasurer shows leadership and financial responsibility.
Club Leadership:
Leading a business or entrepreneurship club at school demonstrates your proactive interest in business and leadership skills.
Business-Related Activities
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
Starting your own business or side hustle shows initiative, risk-taking, and practical business skills.
Internships:
Internships at local businesses, startups, or financial institutions provide hands-on experience and show commitment to the field.
Competitions:
Participating in business competitions such as DECA, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), or the National Economics Challenge showcases your knowledge and competitive spirit.
Community Involvement
Volunteer Work:
Engaging in community service, especially in roles related to business (e.g., organizing fundraisers, managing budgets for non-profits) highlights your social responsibility and practical skills.
Mentoring Programs:
Mentoring younger students or peers in financial literacy or business concepts demonstrates leadership and a commitment to education.
Academic Engagement
Academic Clubs:
Joining academic clubs related to business, such as a finance club or economics society, shows your dedication to learning more about your field of interest.
School Projects:
Leading or participating in school projects that involve business planning, marketing strategies, or financial analysis can be impressive.
Other Relevant Activities
Work Experience:
Part-time jobs or summer employment, especially in roles that involve customer service, sales, or management, provide practical experience.
Online Courses and Certifications:
Completing online courses or earning certifications in business-related fields (e.g., Coursera, edX, or Google certifications) can demonstrate your proactive learning attitude.
Examples of Strong Extracurriculars
Starting a Small Business:
For example, launching an online store or a local service demonstrates practical application of business principles.
Investment Club Leadership:
Managing an investment club where you and other students learn about stock markets and trading.
Business Plan Competitions:
Winning or participating in business plan competitions such as the Diamond Challenge or NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) competition.
Economic Research:
Conducting independent economic research or participating in research programs shows academic initiative and analytical skills.
Summary
Admissions officers for business programs look for a combination of leadership, practical experience, and a demonstrated passion for business. By engaging in these activities, you can build a strong, well-rounded application that highlights your readiness for a business major.
Sources
CollegeVine
Princeton Review
Forbes
Student Government:
Holding a position like class president or treasurer shows leadership and financial responsibility.
Club Leadership:
Leading a business or entrepreneurship club at school demonstrates your proactive interest in business and leadership skills.
Business-Related Activities
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
Starting your own business or side hustle shows initiative, risk-taking, and practical business skills.
Internships:
Internships at local businesses, startups, or financial institutions provide hands-on experience and show commitment to the field.
Competitions:
Participating in business competitions such as DECA, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), or the National Economics Challenge showcases your knowledge and competitive spirit.
Community Involvement
Volunteer Work:
Engaging in community service, especially in roles related to business (e.g., organizing fundraisers, managing budgets for non-profits) highlights your social responsibility and practical skills.
Mentoring Programs:
Mentoring younger students or peers in financial literacy or business concepts demonstrates leadership and a commitment to education.
Academic Engagement
Academic Clubs:
Joining academic clubs related to business, such as a finance club or economics society, shows your dedication to learning more about your field of interest.
School Projects:
Leading or participating in school projects that involve business planning, marketing strategies, or financial analysis can be impressive.
Other Relevant Activities
Work Experience:
Part-time jobs or summer employment, especially in roles that involve customer service, sales, or management, provide practical experience.
Online Courses and Certifications:
Completing online courses or earning certifications in business-related fields (e.g., Coursera, edX, or Google certifications) can demonstrate your proactive learning attitude.
Examples of Strong Extracurriculars
Starting a Small Business:
For example, launching an online store or a local service demonstrates practical application of business principles.
Investment Club Leadership:
Managing an investment club where you and other students learn about stock markets and trading.
Business Plan Competitions:
Winning or participating in business plan competitions such as the Diamond Challenge or NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) competition.
Economic Research:
Conducting independent economic research or participating in research programs shows academic initiative and analytical skills.
Summary
Admissions officers for business programs look for a combination of leadership, practical experience, and a demonstrated passion for business. By engaging in these activities, you can build a strong, well-rounded application that highlights your readiness for a business major.
Sources
CollegeVine
Princeton Review
Forbes
Thank you for your suggestions!
Vanshika
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
You can take a community service class and then work at the Chamber of Commerce. It is a business atmosphere and you will be given clerical tasks.
Hi, apart from being given clerical tasks as a HS student, how else could I be involved in the chamber of commerce?
Vanshika
They have State of the County meetings you could attend. If you work with them for a while and check in with them before the meeting you could help with the meeting. You could help with the PowerPoint content and design.
Karissa Helton